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MONSTER

Mortal Shell

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mortal Shell
Item: Mortal Shell
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableAug 18, 2020

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperCold Symmetry

Overview

Mortal Shell is a ruthless and deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Your adversaries spare no mercy, with survival demanding superior awareness, precision and instincts. Possess lost warriors, track down hidden sanctums of the devout, and face formidable foes. "Awakening as an empty vessel, you will enter into a shattered and twisted world where the remains of humanity wither and rot. Implored to do the bidding of the mysterious “Dark Father”, you must traverse this tattered landscape and track down hidden sanctums of devout followers. There, in Mortal Shell’s most hallowed grounds, you must overcome formidable foes and harvest the sacred glands. You won’t be truly alone when the dead litter your path: Scattered across this land are the remnant anima of lost warriors who can be inhabited to gain their unique abilities and knowledge of weapons. The Dark Father is desperate for you to complete your task — but to what end? Discover “Shells” to Suit Your Playstyle - The lost remains of defeated warriors are yours to unearth. Awaken these Mortal Shells, occupy their bodies and significantly widen your understanding of different forms of combat. Inhabit a Shell that best fits your style and utilizes their own unique mastery of skills and weapon upgrades. Iron Sharpens Iron - Combat is strategic and deliberate. Survival demands superior awareness, precision and instincts. You must commit your sword only when an opportunity opens. Calculate your parries to unleash devastating counterblows. Non-linear Campaign - Draw your own path across marsh-infested lowlands, through a gargantuan cathedral of obsidian rock, and into an ancient crypt frozen into the crest of a mountain. Deep Upgrade Paths - The stronger your connection to each Mortal Shell grows, the better you can harness their innate talents. Craft unique upgrades, sharpen your blade with acid, and study dark arcane abilities that imbue your attacks with supernatural devastation. Face Haunting Foes - Your path is guarded by desperate adversaries, devoted to inscrutable gods. Behold creatures both pitiable and grotesque, but do not let fear halt your journey. Muster your courage and face them down. Developed by AAA Veterans - Mortal Shell has been developed by a coalition of seasoned veterans with an unbridled passion for the soulslike genre."

Elsewhere

6.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Mortal Shell captivates with its atmospheric world and intriguing lore, but falls flat with a vague narrative and minimal character development. Critics praise its unique gameplay of inhabiting different shells, yet many find the storytelling frustratingly cryptic and lacking substance. Overall, while the game offers a haunting experience, it doesn't deliver the depth and clarity expected from a title in its genre, leaving players with lingering questions.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

85%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Mortal Shell has garnered a mix of intrigue and appreciation among critics, particularly for its atmospheric and mysterious presentation. Several reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Trusted Reviews, highlight the game's enigmatic narrative and the compelling lore that unfolds through cryptic dialogues and item descriptions. Critics like GameSpot and IGN Italia note that the story is set in a decaying world filled with religious zealots, which adds depth to the atmosphere. The unique gameplay mechanic of inhabiting different shells, each with their own backstories, is also praised for adding a fresh twist to the narrative experience, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis and GameMAG. This approach to storytelling encourages exploration and engagement with the environment, allowing players to piece together the lore at their own pace. However, the consensus among many critics points to significant shortcomings in the story's execution. A number of reviews, including those from Screen Rant and ZTGD, describe the narrative as vague and lacking substance, making it difficult for players to fully grasp the overarching plot. Critics like Games.cz and KeenGamer argue that the reliance on cryptic inscriptions and item descriptions can come off as pretentious, leading to frustration rather than engagement. The lack of a clear, cohesive narrative structure is echoed by multiple reviewers, including Worth Playing and God is a Geek, who express disappointment in the minimalistic storytelling that leaves much to be desired in terms of character development and backstory. Overall, while Mortal Shell succeeds in creating a haunting and immersive world, the story itself is often viewed as a secondary element that fails to deliver the depth and clarity expected from a game of its genre. Critics like IGN Japan and PlayStation Universe emphasize that the narrative lacks the intricate design and compelling depth found in titles like Dark Souls. The general consensus reflects a shared sentiment that while the game offers intriguing lore and an atmospheric setting, it ultimately falls short in providing a satisfying and coherent story experience, leaving players with more questions than answers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mortal Shell impresses with its unique 'Harden' mechanic and challenging, Souls-like combat, earning praise for its strategic depth and variety of playstyles. However, it falters with slow-paced combat, lack of character progression, and design flaws that lead to repetitive encounters. Critics agree the game has potential but needs refinement in enemy design and depth to fully realize its ambitions.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Mortal Shell has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its unique mechanics and challenging combat. Many reviewers highlight the innovative 'Harden' mechanic, which allows players to temporarily turn into a stone statue to absorb damage and create strategic opportunities during combat. Critics from Gamers Heroes and Digital Chumps commend this mechanic as a standout feature that adds depth to the gameplay. Additionally, the game’s Souls-like formula, characterized by its challenging obstacles and exploration, has been well-received, with GAMES.CH noting that players can choose their own path through the game world. The combat system is often described as satisfying, with several critics, including PC Gamer and Windows Central, appreciating the variety of weapons and shells that offer different playstyles, enhancing the overall experience. However, despite its strengths, Mortal Shell faces criticism for several shortcomings that detract from the overall gameplay experience. Many reviewers, including Games.cz and Shacknews, point out that the combat can feel slow-paced and lacks variability, which can lead to repetitive encounters. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Game Rant express disappointment in the lack of character progression and loot, making combat feel less impactful. Additionally, some reviewers mention design flaws, such as poorly designed bosses and clunky combat mechanics, which hinder the immersive experience. The absence of reusable healing items, as noted by Shacknews, also adds to the frustration during challenging encounters. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mortal Shell introduces intriguing mechanics and maintains a challenging gameplay loop reminiscent of the Souls genre, it suffers from a lack of depth and variety in its combat system. Many critics appreciate the unique features, such as the hardening mechanic and the shell system, but they also emphasize the need for more character progression and improved enemy design. The game is recognized for its potential and interesting ideas, yet it remains marred by inconsistencies and design choices that prevent it from fully realizing its ambitions. As noted by IGN Japan, the combat is well-designed, but the overall execution leaves room for improvement, suggesting that Mortal Shell is a title that could benefit from further refinement.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mortal Shell impresses with stunning visuals and a haunting atmosphere reminiscent of Dark Souls, earning praise for its art direction and next-gen enhancements. However, critics point out significant flaws like lifeless graphics, inconsistent quality, frustrating level design, and technical issues that mar the experience. Overall, while visually captivating, the game struggles to fully realize its potential, indicating a strong but imperfect effort from its small development team.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Mortal Shell have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly regarding the game's striking art direction and atmospheric environments. Many reviewers, such as Cultured Vultures and RPGamer, have highlighted the impressive visual fidelity and breathtaking environments, noting that the game surpasses many titles in the genre. The Enhanced Edition on next-gen consoles has been particularly well-received, with Digital Chumps and GameSpot praising the 4K resolution and improved textures, which enhance the overall visual experience. Critics like GameMAG and PlayStation Universe have also acknowledged the game's distinct environments and character designs, which contribute to the haunting and immersive atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Dark Souls series. However, the reviews also reveal significant criticisms regarding the game's graphics and visual design. Several critics, including PlayStation Universe and Easy Allies, have pointed out issues such as lifeless graphics, inconsistent quality of locations, and lack of detail in certain environments. The level design has been described as lacking the complexity and interconnectivity found in Dark Souls, with Eurogamer Italy and Jeuxvideo.com noting that the game often requires frustrating backtracking. Additionally, technical issues such as texture pop-in and game crashes were mentioned by Push Square and Gameblog.fr, which detracted from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mortal Shell boasts impressive visuals and a captivating art style, it falls short in certain areas, particularly in level design and technical execution. Many reviewers appreciate the game's aesthetic and atmospheric qualities, with TheXboxHub and PC Invasion emphasizing the eerie landscapes and haunting ambiance. However, the inconsistent quality and technical flaws highlighted by critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Metro GameCentral suggest that the game, while visually appealing, does not fully reach the heights of its inspirations. This mixture of praise and criticism indicates that Mortal Shell is a commendable effort for a small development team, yet it still has room for improvement in achieving a polished and cohesive visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Mortal Shell's sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise its atmospheric qualities and unique elements, like lute-playing mobs, but many find the soundtrack lacking memorability and the sound effects repetitive. While it effectively creates a haunting ambiance, it ultimately misses opportunities for a more impactful audio experience, leaving some players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Mortal Shell have garnered a range of opinions, with several critics praising the atmospheric qualities of the audio elements. For instance, Hobby Consolas highlights the "wonderful soundtrack" that enhances the game's overall ambiance, while LaPS4 commends the "excellent" sound design that creates a constant tension and immersion, particularly when played with headphones. Additionally, IGN Italia notes the haunting sound effects and delicate voices that contribute to the game's eerie atmosphere. The unique aspect of mobs playing the lute has also been positively mentioned by Gameblog.fr and KeenGamer, showcasing a creative touch in the game's musical composition that resonates with players. On the flip side, numerous reviewers have pointed out significant shortcomings in the sound design and music. Critics like Vandal and PlayStation Universe describe the music as either absent or "adequate, but not remarkable," indicating a lack of memorable tracks that could elevate the gameplay experience. Moreover, some critiques, such as those from Eurogamer Italy and MGG, highlight issues with repetitive sound effects and a timid soundtrack that fails to deliver during crucial moments, like boss battles. KeenGamer also describes the sound design as "mediocre," suggesting that while it fits the dark RPG atmosphere, it lacks standout elements that could leave a lasting impression. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment towards the sound design and music of Mortal Shell. While there are commendable elements, such as the immersive soundscapes and creative musical moments, many reviewers express disappointment with the lack of a strong musical score and the repetitiveness of sound effects. Critics like Shacknews and GameWatcher appreciate the eerie and ethereal qualities of the sound design, yet the overall impression leans toward a recognition of missed opportunities for a more impactful audio experience. Ultimately, while Mortal Shell succeeds in creating a haunting atmosphere, it falls short of delivering a memorable and dynamic audio landscape that could enhance its gameplay further.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Mortal Shell has received praise for enhancing the game's atmosphere and storytelling, with critics like Gamer.no and IGN Italia appreciating its engaging and delicate qualities. Despite some inconsistencies and occasional exaggeration noted by critics like Games.cz, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting the voice work's role in deepening the game's eerie narrative. While limited in quantity, the quality leaves a strong impact, suggesting that it significantly enriches the player's experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Mortal Shell has received a generally positive reception from various critics, who highlight its unique contributions to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. For instance, Gamer.no appreciates how the voice acting complements the mysterious storytelling, enhancing the overall experience. Similarly, Gamers' Temple finds the voice acting to be "weirdly captivating," suggesting that it possesses an engaging quality that draws players in. IGN Italia describes the voices as "delicate," which implies a level of finesse that contributes to the game's immersive quality. Furthermore, Xbox Achievements notes that while the amount of voice acting is limited, the quality is unexpectedly good, indicating that even sparse dialogue can leave a strong impression. COGconnected also emphasizes the clarity and crispness of the voice acting, reinforcing the notion that it effectively supports the game's narrative. However, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Mortal Shell. Games.cz points out that the voice acting can be exaggerated and comedic, which may detract from the game's overall tone, except for the main quest giver. This suggests a lack of consistency in the quality and style of voice performances throughout the game. While some critics like GameSpot describe the voice acting as "spooky and cryptic," they do not elaborate on its quality, which leaves a gap in understanding how well it is executed. Additionally, IGN mentions that NPCs mutter spooky lines without providing insight into the quality of the voice acting, indicating a missed opportunity to further explore this aspect of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Mortal Shell effectively contributes to the game's eerie atmosphere and narrative depth, even if there are some inconsistencies in execution. Critics like Shacknews and GameWatcher highlight how the voice acting adds layers of unrest and deepens interest in the game's lore, suggesting that it plays a crucial role in enhancing the player's experience. While some reviewers express concerns about the exaggerated nature of certain performances, the general sentiment leans towards appreciation of the unique qualities that the voice acting brings to the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Mortal Shell performs inconsistently across platforms. PS4 offers smooth gameplay but has notable glitches; PS5 benefits from enhanced visuals and stability but still faces minor bugs. PC is the standout, praised for high performance and few issues. Overall, while enjoyable, technical flaws hinder the experience on multiple platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Mortal Shell varies across different gaming platforms, with each offering unique strengths. On the PlayStation 4, several critics, including Finger Guns and LaPS4, noted that the game runs smoothly with stable frame rates, and combat animations are well-executed. PlaySense echoed this sentiment, stating that there are no technical issues, while PlayStation Universe highlighted the overall enjoyment derived from the gameplay despite some minor rough edges. On the PlayStation 5, the Enhanced Edition is praised for its impressive technical upgrades, including faster load times and a stable 60fps, as noted by Worth Playing and PlayStation Universe. Critics like Digital Chumps and GameSpot also appreciated the 4K resolution and smooth performance on this platform. For PC, many reviewers, including Eurogamer Italy and Windows Central, reported exceptional performance without significant bugs, with stable frame rates and high graphical fidelity. However, the technical performance is not without its drawbacks across these platforms. On the PlayStation 4, critics like Areajugones and Game Revolution pointed out various issues, including camera problems, glitches, and bugs that can disrupt gameplay. IGN Italia and Jeuxvideo.com also mentioned collision detection problems that could lead to frustrating deaths. On the PlayStation 5, while the performance is generally solid, there are still mentions of texture pop-ins and occasional game crashes, as highlighted by Push Square. The Xbox One version suffers from similar issues, with critics like Games.cz and TheXboxHub mentioning camera problems and glitches, particularly during the final boss battle. On the Xbox Series X, while loading times are improved, Jeuxvideo.com still pointed out the presence of collision bugs. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a notable divide in experiences across platforms. The PlayStation 4 version has garnered a range of opinions, from smooth performance to significant technical issues, while the PlayStation 5 version is generally viewed more favorably, thanks to its enhancements, though some bugs persist. The PC version appears to be the most consistently praised, with many reviewers noting its stability and performance. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Cultured Vultures found it well-optimized, while others like Attack of the Fanboy and Multiplayer.it highlighted the presence of bugs that could detract from the experience. Ultimately, while Mortal Shell showcases significant potential and enjoyable gameplay, the technical performance varies widely, with some platforms offering a more polished experience than others.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mortal Shell offers intriguing replay potential with its New Game+ mode and collectibles, enticing players to explore further. However, critics highlight significant drawbacks, including limited build variety, short playtime (8-15 hours), and minimal character progression, which diminish its appeal for multiple playthroughs. Overall, while it has unique features, the game falls short in content depth, leaving many feeling it lacks the substance for lasting replay value.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Mortal Shell reflects a mix of appreciation for its unique features and some recognition of its limitations. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Easy Allies highlight the game's New Game+ mode, which allows players to replay the game with their progress intact and face more challenging enemies, enhancing replayability. Additionally, Wccftech mentions collectibles and lore items that encourage exploration, while Noisy Pixel expresses a desire to return to the game to uncover missed elements, suggesting that there is enough intrigue to draw players back. The variety of shells and the potential for different gameplay styles, as noted by Hobby Consolas, also contribute positively to the game's replay value. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that hinder the game's replayability. CGMagazine emphasizes the lack of build variety and PvP options, which can make the experience feel limited. Gamer.no and Metro GameCentral note the game's relatively short length, with playtimes ranging from 8 to 15 hours, which may leave players wanting more content. Furthermore, Video Chums criticizes the limited character progression options, suggesting that the lack of variety in shells and enemy encounters diminishes the incentive to replay. This sentiment is echoed by RPGamer, who states that the game offers very little to uncover on subsequent playthroughs. The overall consensus among critics indicates that while Mortal Shell has features that can enhance replay value, such as the New Game+ mode and collectibles, its shortcomings in content variety and depth limit its overall appeal for repeated playthroughs. Many reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and Worth Playing, mention the game's short duration and repetitive elements, which detract from the experience. Ultimately, while some players may find enjoyment in exploring different strategies or attempting speedruns, the general sentiment leans towards the conclusion that Mortal Shell may not offer enough substance for extensive replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Mortal Shell has garnered a range of opinions from critics, with many praising its unique mechanics and artistic design. Reviewers like Xbox Achievements highlight the game's satisfying combat experience and stunning visuals, while Impulsegamer describes it as a remarkable love letter to the Souls series. Additionally, Trusted Reviews notes that Mortal Shell is one of the year's biggest surprises, showcasing innovative combat and progression mechanics. Critics such as GameGrin and Cultured Vultures appreciate the game's ability to capture the essence of the Souls-like genre while introducing novel ideas, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of challenging action RPGs. However, despite these positives, numerous critics express concerns about Mortal Shell's shortcomings. Games.cz and PlayStation Universe both point out that the game falls short in key areas and lacks the depth and polish found in its inspirations, particularly the Dark Souls series. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Shacknews echo this sentiment, noting that while Mortal Shell has its strengths, it fails to leave a memorable impact on players. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as Vandal and GameSpew, mention that the game feels like a bargain bin version of its predecessors, with issues related to gameplay design and overall content. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mortal Shell is a solid entry in the Souls-like genre, but it does not fully realize its potential. While many reviewers, including Gamer.no and Metro GameCentral, acknowledge its unique approach and commend its artistic elements, they also highlight the game's limitations in comparison to established titles from FromSoftware. The mixed reactions suggest that while Mortal Shell may appeal to dedicated fans of the genre and those seeking a fresh take on familiar mechanics, it ultimately lacks the depth and refinement that would elevate it to the level of its inspirations.

TL;DR

Mortal Shell impresses with its unique mechanics and stunning visuals, earning praise as a fresh take on the Souls-like genre. However, critics highlight its lack of depth and polish compared to games like Dark Souls, with some labeling it a "bargain bin" imitation. While it offers enjoyable combat and artistic flair, it ultimately falls short of its potential, leaving mixed impressions among players and reviewers.

MONSTER

Reviews

121 reviews found

Noisy Pixel

Aug 17, 2020